"Nobody is telling districts that they have to adopt certain programs for all kids," Leinwand said.
But Glashow said the programs are not even adequate for students less talented in mathematics because they focus too little on basic arithmetic.
Leinwand said traditional programs are not accessible to a majority of students.
"The issue is what programs best serve the masses," Leinwand said. "All of these programs have records of teaching children mathematics. There are statistics supporting every program. We came out with very sound programs."
Regardless of substance, the letter criticizes the panel for being out of touch with the mathematics and science community.
"It is not likely that the mainstream views of practicing mathematicians and scientists were shared by those who designed the criteria for selection of exemplary and promising mathematics curricula," it said.
Glashow said he hopes the letter will encourage the DOE to reconsider and change its endorsements.
"I assume the Department has the best interests of students in mind," he said.
Read more in News
Conservatives Come Out, 'Queer' Group ProtestsRecommended Articles
-
Chaos Work Earns McMullen Fields MedalHarvard Professor of Mathematics Curtis McMullen received one of the highest honors in the field of mathematics--the Fields medal--this August.
-
New Battles in the Math WarsWhat is 256 times 98? Can you do the multiplication without using a calculator? Two thirds of Massachusetts fourth-graders could
-
THE DOPE SWEETFootball is a game of unending upsets and contradictions, baseball games may turn on the uncertain news of a pitcher
-
Math Professor Goes HollywoodCORRECTIONS APPENDED Last year’s recipient of the Harvard Foundation’s Distinguished Scientist Award and current Harvard post-doctoral fellow Jonathan Farley ’91,
-
Math Professor Bott Dies at Age 82Raoul Bott, a prestigious mathematician and Harvard professor emeritus who taught at the College for over 40 years, died of